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Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  Lamentations 3:22 NIV

Here is a verse packed with powerful words:
Not, meaning prohibition
Consumed, to destroy or expend by use; completely use up.
Compassions, a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another, a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Never, at no time.
Fail, fall short of success.

I don’t need to commentate on these powerful words, but I encourage you to put these absolutes into your heart and live them as your reality.

Here is a restatement of Lamentations 3:22 with dictionary.com and Gretchen partnering to remind you of how much love and assurance you have.

Because of the LORD’s great love, He will prohibit us from being destroyed or completely used up, for He has a strong desire to alleviate our suffering, He sympathizes with our sorrows and at no time will He fall short of success in this endeavor!

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you,” Genesis 12:1 NIV

This verse marks the beginning of Abram’s story. God calls to Abram and he obeys. The end………..NOT!

Abram grew up in the city of Ur. It was a major port metropolis. Residents of Ur had financial security and a high standard of living. Abram’s father Terah took his entire household and began a trek toward Canaan but stopped in Harran. Terah did not honor God (Joshua 24:2) and he died before the journey ended. But God called Abram to leave the traditions and security of his family and the convenience of urban life and go into a wilderness that would be the equivalent to the pioneer’s Kansas prairie.

Why are these details important? Because God called Abram away from what was ordinary and comfortable to make him His own; so he could become extraordinary! Abram’s story ends with the complete change to the history of mankind so you may think this invalidates the relevance of your obedience on this scale. But the story isn’t about the history of the world, it’s about becoming God’s own.

May you feel God’s abundant love today,

Gretchen

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

These were Paul’s final words, his final goodbye to the converts in Ephesus.

Children fascinate me and sometimes they get a bad wrap concerning their ability to share. Yes they go through developmental stages that challenge even the most creative parents, but as a whole they smile and look for others to smile back. They are givers. I have never witnessed a small child hoarding anything. They take what they need and leave the rest, or they take what they need and attempt to engage others in their activity.

Paul is one of the most independent characters of the New Testament Church. He bows to no earthly person or ideal. He’s fiercely protective of clear and true theology and aggressive in correcting those who misinterpret his words or actions.

By this description, Paul is not a guy I would want to meet in a back alley on a dark night. Except the reality was, he was a sinner, saved by grace humbled by his lack of worth accept through the blood of Jesus Christ. He was bold, not entitled, he was hard working, not selfish and the earthly things he accumulated were for one purpose only……..to spread the Gospel and help those that had no voice. His was a childlike faith that we are also called to. The blessing is in giving, not getting and clinging.

Have a most blessed day,
Love,

Gretchen

The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight. Proverbs 11:1

This is a Proverb of Solomon. Beginning with chapter 10, a young man is faced with choice and urged to chose wisdom. Through chapter 22, practical instructions range over every aspect of life. In these proverbs, there is not a great deal of theology, yet deep access to a definition of God’s goodness and character.

To live life spiritually victorious, find, know and trust God’s character. Yes, He is love, but according to the New Testament evangelist Paul, in his letter to the church in Corinth, Godly/Christlike love is all things ethical; patient, humble, generous, persevering, truthful, worthy of trust and hope. 

Dishonesty is a simple lack of all the above, but most of all faith in a just and kind Creator’s sovereign power. God abhors deceit because it costs an innocent person. Christian moral standards bring delight to our Savior/Redeemer, but it also glorifies His name and purpose, and shines light in a world of darkness. 

Chose what is right and let God take care of EVERTHING else!

Love,

Gretchen

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

I love words and find it amusing when two words are combined to emphasize an existing known. One of my recent favorites is ‘Hangry.’ Hangry is the state of subconscious anger due to famishment. It is not a pretty thing to witness.

The human body has a hair trigger alarm system to keep itself functioning efficiently. Hunger and thirst are part of this survival plan and when deprived of sustenance things begin to collapse quickly.

Jesus is making a parallel between a hunger and thirst that keeps our physical bodies alive to show us that a righteous heart will have a like longing, a survival reflex for the things of God.

Desires and appetites are a given, but the righteous will seek what is good and just. It also goes in reverse. The more we become focused on Godliness the more our instincts turn toward correct and healthy choices for the things we take into our hearts and minds. The most beautiful part is the promise. God will NOT withhold Himself. He will feed your heart and your mind with a most glorious feast.

Love,
Gretchen

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.Psalm 32:9 NIV

David’s sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 11-12) brought great pain, not to mention shame and humiliation. The ripples of his one selfish and defiant act touched many lives. Yet, David proclaimed his righteousness. What a conflict of two opposite states of being! How can this be? Well, David’s only defense was his humble confession that brought forgiveness, and freedom from deceit, re-establishing his right relationship with God. 

This Psalm is a song of repentance. If you read it in its entirety you will hear reference to transgressions, specific offenses, forgiven, and sins that no longer hold power over a soul. In various translations there is the word guilt. 

There are three types of guilt. One is a natural remorse, a fixture of humanity. The second is a toxic guilt that speaks of a worthlessness in one’s own existence. The third is existential; the hopeless feeling of despair over an unjust world. Only the first is of God, conviction brought by a created conscience.

David’s sin made him sick of himself and softened his soul. He is calling out and encouraging his reader/musician/singer to find the same solace in the confidence of a God that will forgive and restore.

Love, 

Gretchen

Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.  Colossians 2:23

The church at Colossae faced the theological quagmire of faith verses tradition. People who once worshiped false gods weren’t sure what to turn loose of and what to keep of their old life as they grew spiritually.  This was fertile opportunity for unscrupulous people to take charge. Their issue then and ours today is this:  Man likes rules and traditions that create authority in their favor. 

Power is a fragile thing to hold.  It is hard to maintain and requires a commitment to the greater good.  Instead it sometimes deletes all common sense and compassion from its possessor.  The ensuing temptation to exploit and abuse is great.  When man attempts to live by rules, he ignores three basic principles of God: grace, mercy and love. These are the things that make and keep us Holy. 

Have a Perfectly Day!

Gretchen

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2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Paul in the flesh was a person you either hated or admired. There was no in between apparently. He had a strong personality, drawing strong responses from those he encountered. This was the case with the people of Corinth. They chose a side with no middle ground. Those who apposed Christianity maligned Paul’s character, agenda and motive. He challenged this by standing on God’s promise of complete, perfect and transparent justice. He did not fear it, if you live in salvation’s truth, you should not either, but……

You are already part of eternity.  The question is, “Where will you spend the ages to come?”  When you stand before Jesus, He will know everything you have done and every thought you have had.  You will have NO secrets on that day. It is important to note, God does NOT accept  excuses.  BUT!!!!!  If you have asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, all of those awful actions and thoughts no longer exist!!!!!!  

Love and Peace,

Gretchen

But after he had considered this, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph was willing to follow God even when he and others questioned his actions. What he did conflicted with social expectations and both gender and generational entitlements. Joseph took care of Mary, loved her and stayed with her even when things became very difficult. He made sacrifices at great personal cost. Abandonment and self over others would have changed history. Whew! Aren’t you glad he followed the Spirit?

The earth is populated by those who depend on us to do the right thing. God called each one of us to see the greater good, and choose His Glory. 

Happy “Only Three Days ’til Saturday” Day!

Gretchen

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

God is always willing to reveal Himself to you when you seek Him, but remember, the point isn’t for God to prove Himself to you so you never have to have faith. We must have a faith that guides us where our sight cannot go, for example: The future!

Love,

Gretchen

Today marks the beginning of year 7 for my blog. My mission is to engage in God’s word and give others opportunity to do so as well. Each of you that read and keep in touch, thank you, you are my special blessing. Love you all so much!